6 Things You Should Always Buy Used

If you’re at all interested in stretching your dollars as far as they’ll go, then you’ll need to purchase some items used. Simply put, you’ll save yourself a fortune over the years by buying used items as opposed to new. Sure, somebody has to pay retail for certain things, but it doesn’t have to be you.

Here are 6 items you should always buy used.

1. Baby Clothes

Congratulations on having a new addition to your family. Thanks to growth and the constant spit-ups, that child is going to require an extensive wardrobe.

As adorable and tempting as the baby section is at your favorite department store, always remember that your little one will only be in these clothes for a few months at the most. There’s absolutely no reason to doll up your little boy or girl in an outfit that you paid full price for at a retail store. Instead, visit garage sales, thrift stores, and consignment shops. You’ll find some great looking clothes at awesome prices.

2. Furniture

It might be a little tougher to find second hand furniture than it is to find used baby clothes. However, given how expensive new furniture can be, it is worth it to make the effort to search around for furniture being offered by a private seller. You stand to save yourself a lot of money by browsing on eBay or Craigslist for great furniture at a discount price.

3. Sports Equipment

If you’re into basketball, there’s really no need to go to Dick’s and pay full price for a basketball. There are plenty of people around who have a spare ball that they’d love to sell you for just a few bucks. The same goes for almost all other sporting equipment like skis, footballs, baseball bats, and volleyball equipment.

4. Tools

A screwdriver is a screwdriver is a screwdriver. You can pay 500% more than you need to by purchasing it at a home improvement store like Home Depot or Lowe’s. But why do that when you can visit a local garage sale and pick one up for pennies on the dollar? In fact, you should fill your garage with necessary tools that you purchased second hand.

5. Textbooks

If you’re new to college, you might have contracted a case of sticker shock when you first saw how much you have to pay for the textbooks you’re required to own. Fortunately, you can save yourself some cash by connecting with somebody who already took the same class last term and has no need for their textbook any more. More than likely, they’ll be happy to sell you their old book for a fraction of what a new one would cost.

6. Cars

Buy a new car then drive it around the block. It just became a used car and is worth considerably less than what you paid for it. Avoid falling into that trap by purchasing more affordable cars that are used or certified pre-owned. You’ll save yourself a lot of cash.

Not everything can be purchased second hand (for example, term life insurance). However, some items cannot only be purchased used, but they should be purchased used. Make the right choice when you’re shopping around and save yourself a lot of money.